What Do You Call That Bristly Thing on the Top of the War Helmet Anyway?

By Paul Lukas, on January 22nd, 2010

So I get off the plane in Minneapolis last night, whip out my new Magic Phone™ to check my e-mail, and I see that I’ve received 37 messages since I left NYC. As I begin to scroll through them, I see that about 30 of them are about the same thing: the apparent leak of a new Michigan State logo.

Most of the details are on that page I just linked to, plus there’s some follow-up info here, some message board reaction here, some patent/trademark documentation here and here, and probably an entire cable network devoted to the issue on channel 1273.

Honestly: I’ve always thought the Spartans logo looked a bit amateurish, and the new one — if that’s what it is — is hardly an improvement in that regard. Given how virtually every new mark foisted upon us these days tends to feature gratuitous beveling, shading, outlining, etc., this new design seems remarkably restrained. That’s not to say it’s better than the old mark, mind you (I definitely don’t think it passes the “Is it good or is it stupid?” test), but it hardly seems like a disaster, and I find it hard to get worked up about it one way or the other. But that’s just me.

Almost all the people who wrote to me about this yesterday made a point of noting that the new logo is the work of Nike, and that this was almost certainly the first step toward a Michigan State riflery uniform. What an overeager brood of conspiracy theorists you all are! Actually, you could be right, based on this note that was supposedly circulated to MSU’s PR staff yesterday:

This is just a heads up note that you may begin hearing (or may have already begun hearing) a buzz about a new Spartan helmet logo for athletics. The information below will help you answer any questions you may get in your colleges or from alumni, students, etc.

As part of the process of registering trademarks, a redesigned Spartan logo was posted on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office web site. The logo was subsequently reposted yesterday on several fan web sites.

This logo is just a single element of a new comprehensive brand and graphic identity project undertaken by the Department of Athletics. They will be unveiling all elements of the new program in April. The new logo, and the other elements in the program, are the result of a two-year collaboration between MSU Athletics and a team of top designers from Nike.

As communicators, I am sure you can appreciate that the power and appropriateness of a single symbol cannot be appreciated or measured outside the context of the total presentation.

I will ensure that the entire program is shared with you at the time of its unveiling.

So what will this “comprehensive” identity project entail? A hint comes from a reader who prefers to remain anonymous:

I have an inside source at Michigan State who was shown the logo along with an entire redesign of MSU athletics. It appears to be another sports rebranding strategy similar to what Nike has done with Oregon and Oregon State.

In the proposed plan, the shade of Spartan green with be noticeably different and consistent among varsity athletics. For the football team, the modern logo was paired with a bold helmet stripe and updated Nike uniforms.

So there you have it, in April Phil Knight will personally lead a march of Nike forces from Beaverton to East Lansing, where they’ll torch the entire town and maybe have their way with a few coeds to boot, the end.

Not eating the lutefisk, no how, no way: My flight out to Minnesota was pretty lively, because I was surrounded by guys who’ll be playing in the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships (including a team comprised of New York City cops). They told some good stories about last year’s tourney, when the temperature was 20 below, but mostly they talked about (1) playing “for the love of the game,” with absolute sincerity, and (2) drinking beer (and they were pretty damn sincere about that, too). A swell group of guys, and I look forward to watching them play on Lake Nokomis later today.

After I landed, I headed to the always wonderful Nye’s Polonaise Room, where I had dinner with Phil, Ricko, Teebz, James Huening (who says his friends call him Jimbo, so that’s what I’ll be calling him now on), and Robert Marshall (whose handlebar ’stache is an epic sight to behold). Kinda surreal to have so many Uni Watch kingpins gathered in one place — a summit meeting, for sure — and it dawned on me that I’m a pretty lucky fella to have all these great folks joining me in the Twin Cities this weekend. Thanks, guys.

As for the rest of you Twin Cities folks, I’ll see you tonight, 8pm, at Grumpy’s.

ITEM! Major Hockey News: As some of you know, there have been a lot of developments lately in the field of skate guards — basically reinforced shells that cover the skate boot and protect the player’s foot from wayward slapshots. There’s now been a major breakthrough on this front, and our own Teebz has all the details on his blog.

Uni Watch News Ticker: Oh great, CNOB — that’s corporate name on back (with thanks to Chris Ashworth). … Nice to see Nike and Schutt are aligning themselves with such high-credibility sports movies. … Latest issue of SABR’s Baseball Research Journal included this photo of the Polo Grounds. Leaving aside the issue of the insane amount of real estate in foul territory, what’s the deal with the odd-shaped infield cut-out at third base? Very strange. … Cycling news from Sean Clancy, who reports that there’s a new leader’s jersey for the 2010 Vuelta. … What happens to all those caps that get tossed onto the ice after a hat trick? The answer is here (with thanks to Chris Weber). … Another kicker currently wearing his wedding band on the field: Matt Stover (as noted by Doug Adams). … USC has won a logo spat with South Carolina (with thanks to Charlie Shields). … Interesting Texas Rangers note from Josh Jarmon, who writes: “I was listening to a radio show on here in Dallas earlier this week when one of the hosts, Mike Rhyner, mentioned a note about the Rangers’ first uniform. He said the R and the S were capitalized because those letters corresponded to the then-owner Robert Short’s initials. I had never heard this before.” Neither had I. Smells like an urban myth to me. Can anyone confirm or refute? … Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: Here’s what may be the NHL’s first visor. … The current federal trial over marriage equality has led to an interesting logo-related lawsuit (with thanks to Jamie Costello). … I think I may have mentioned before that the LSU men’s and women’s hoops teams are wearing a sesquicentennial patch. What I definitely haven’t mentioned before is that you can download the official style guide for the sesquicentennial logo here (with thanks to Chris Mycoskie). … Here’s something you probably haven’t seen before: Pele warming up as a goalie (great find by Coachie Ballgames). … Did you know you may have been tying your shoelaces incorrectly? It’s true! Look here. I’m fairly certain this will generate a year’s worth of comments all on its own (blame Adam Brodsky). … A little birdie who’s been right about things before tells me (1) the Sabres will ditch the slug and go with their retro logo full-time next season, (2) the Maple Leafs will add hemline piping to their jerseys next season, and (3) the Predators will promote their alt design to primary status, and will have a new road jersey to match. … Magnificent gallery of paintings showing Heisman Trophy winners, dating all the way back to 1935, here (with thanks to Keith McCall). … Happy Birthday to my Forewords partner, Liz Clayton. Let’s have cake when we’re both back in Brooklyn!

Forget about hockey visors: During last night’s game the NY announcers discussed how Ian Laperriere lost seven teeth a few weeks back blocking a shot and his new, albeit false, teeth were stolen during shipping.

Great! It’s always gratifying to see others infected with the same microbe that plagues us poor sufferers. Like many others, it seems, my reaction is anti-new design because of its genesis as part of a coordinated corporate takeover of what should be a bastion of gleeful amateurism. Besides I like the little white lines on the old logo that signify (I guess) the places where the horsehair of the plume is attached to the helm itself. I think it’s horsehair up there.

[quote comment=”373577″]I have heard that the R and S were capatalized on the Rangers original jerseys because they were Robert Short’s initials on more than one occasion. So I believe it is true.[/quote]
This. I’m surprised you’ve never heard this one, Paul. I myself thought it was either a confirmed fact, or a widely-spread conjecture.

Dennis Rodman|
January 22, 2010 at 9:06 am |

In between the 1st and 2nd period of last nights Penguins vs. Capitals game, Bob Errey wore a Pittsburgh Spirit indoor soccer jersey to describe footwork

Fight|
January 22, 2010 at 9:07 am |

The reef knot … I never knew that such a simple change to my tying technique could solve the pesky untying problem! Thank you for the link, and a new obsession.

Roger Faso|
January 22, 2010 at 9:08 am |

That “odd-shaped infield cut-out at third base” is what’s known as a “chicken patch.” The idea there is that the extra patch of grass will slow down screaming grounders for 3 baggers that are apprensive about hugging the line and creeping up on the plate.

Totally guessing there. I could be full of crap.

Charlie|
January 22, 2010 at 9:15 am |

Poor Rhyner. His untimely passing has hit us all pretty hard here in Dallas.

So what is South Carolina supposed to do? Go with “USC” instead of “SC”? Last time I checked, there was no state of Southern California. There is a state called South Carolina. And Southern Cal is a private school, not a state school. South Carolina couldn’t call itself something else if it wanted to.

Next up: A fight between UNC (Northern Colorado) and UNC (North Carolina)?

Hank|
January 22, 2010 at 9:19 am |

Polo Grounds cut-out may have been the box where newspaper photographers would stand? Back in the day, there were no telephoto lenses, so the photographers would be right on the field to take close-up shots at plays at the plate, batters, etc.

In regard to the Nashville Preds probably making their alt their primary, how many times, in any other sport, has a team’s brand new alternate become the new standard for their team the following year? The lone coming to mind could be the Oilers, who made last year’s retro look the primary, but the Preds are going to be doing a full fledged face life.

I don’t have any others coming to mind, so I wonder if any one else knows teams that had an alternate that quickly just set a team’s uniforms.

War Damn Eagle|
January 22, 2010 at 9:41 am |

[quote comment=”373589″]In regard to the Nashville Preds probably making their alt their primary, how many times, in any other sport, has a team’s brand new alternate become the new standard for their team the following year? The lone coming to mind could be the Oilers, who made last year’s retro look the primary, but the Preds are going to be doing a full fledged face life.

I don’t have any others coming to mind, so I wonder if any one else knows teams that had an alternate that quickly just set a team’s uniforms.[/quote]

Before the Capitals switched to the red/white/blue look a couple years ago, they were wearing that royal/black/gold combo. Their dark uni was royal. But they introduced a black alternate, and it soon became their primary dark uni. Does that count?

Looks like most of the gang is off in Minnesota today. I hope they freeze their asses off while we sit around learning how to tie our shoes.

leon|
January 22, 2010 at 9:46 am |

I present the following with a heavy heart: the Skins are my team but I have no love for it’s current ownership. So, from the Washington CityPaper, more grist for the Snyder is a Douchebag mill:

The Redskins are gonna get a new scoreboard? And hi-def big screens? But but but but…FedExField’s not wired for digital! Right? That’s why there weren’t any big new video screens all these years! Karl Swanson told me that himself 10 times!

I’m not sure what the last straw for Dan Snyder was, to get him to spend the money on something the fans actually wanted and he won’t be able to directly charge them for.

Was it the horrible 2009 season and all the bad will Snyder generated by such moves as suing grandmothers and stealing fans’ signs?

Or was it U2 and Paul McCartney coming to FedExField with their own hi-def (and, yes, digital) big screens, and proving to any buffoon who believed the team’s stories that the official excuse for not upgrading the stadium’s video options all these years was a lie?

For those not obsessed with Snyders antics: The Kangaroo.TV rentals are one of the scammiest scams of Snyder’s scamtastic tenure as owner.

First, Snyder kept all the scores and replays off the scoreboard so the fans and fantasy players at FedExField would be in the dark, then he started renting them little hand-held satellite TVs from a company called Kangaroo Media…for $39.95 a game!

Snyder’s gonna have to come up with new gouging techniques to replace the lost Kangaroo.TV revenues. I have faith he’ll be up to the task.

War Damn Eagle|
January 22, 2010 at 9:50 am |

The Thrashers also introduced the baby blue alternate, and then moved it to primary status, replacing the navy jersey.

[quote comment=”373589″]In regard to the Nashville Preds probably making their alt their primary, how many times, in any other sport, has a team’s brand new alternate become the new standard for their team the following year? The lone coming to mind could be the Oilers, who made last year’s retro look the primary, but the Preds are going to be doing a full fledged face life.

I don’t have any others coming to mind, so I wonder if any one else knows teams that had an alternate that quickly just set a team’s uniforms.[/quote]

Flyers did it this year. Took their Orange throwbacks and made it their primary, and relegated their Black set to alt status. The way it should have been all along.

Tom V|
January 22, 2010 at 10:04 am |

Re: Hat trick hats

I thought first they were scooped up off the ice, put on tables in the lobby and if you wanted your hat back you had to sift through them to find yours. I’m not making this up am I?

steve|
January 22, 2010 at 10:05 am |

I like to lace my shoes with the outside over the inside.

[quote]BTW: When I was in bootcamp (they can be kinda anal about uniform stuff there,) laces were to be laced leftside over right. If you laced your shoes right side over left, you were in for some pain.[/quote]

Ferdinand Cesarano|
January 22, 2010 at 10:05 am |

First, let me say that I also have heard the story about Robert Short’s initials and the Rangers’ home jersey. (Not that this means that the story is true, of course. But it is a story that goes way back.)

Secondly, there is nothing amateurish about the current Michigan State logo. I pay no attention to college sports, so I was not familiar with this logo. But, upon seeing it, I find it beautiful, with a cool, steely look. Also, how great to see a logo that has no faux-3D (bevelling, shadows) and that is one solid colour!

While the new logo is objectionable on the grounds that it augurs the arrival of a goofy Nike uniform, I have to admit that, on aesthetics alone, the new logo shares the good qualities of the current logo.

Jet|
January 22, 2010 at 10:07 am |

I followed the instructions on that knot-tying video and my laces still lay like the granny knot and not across like the reef knot.

leon|
January 22, 2010 at 10:07 am |

[quote comment=”373590″][quote comment=”373589″]In regard to the Nashville Preds probably making their alt their primary, how many times, in any other sport, has a team’s brand new alternate become the new standard for their team the following year? The lone coming to mind could be the Oilers, who made last year’s retro look the primary, but the Preds are going to be doing a full fledged face life.

I don’t have any others coming to mind, so I wonder if any one else knows teams that had an alternate that quickly just set a team’s uniforms.[/quote]

Before the Capitals switched to the red/white/blue look a couple years ago, they were wearing that royal/black/gold combo. Their dark uni was royal. But they introduced a black alternate, and it soon became their primary dark uni. Does that count?

“Prior to the start of the 1995–96 season, in an attempt to modernize the look and merchandise sales, the team abandoned its original logo and color scheme in favor of a blue, black and bronze palette with an American bald eagle with five stars as its logo. The alternate logo depicted the Capitol with crossed hockey sticks behind. The new logos were viewed as being unpopular with fans. Prior to the 2000-01 season, the team retired its blue road jersey in favor of the alternate black Capitol uniform, but still kept the white eagle jersey for home games.”

I remember fans hating the downward-flying eagle as emblematic (get it?) of the caps recent playoff failures. The whole uniform change was nothing but purely merchandise moving at it’s worst. Two years later, the Bullets, also owned by Pollin at the time, would adopt the same color scheme (get it?) for the newly named Wizards. BTW, the shiny color was not gold (which might not have been too bad) but copper. (shit, next thing you know, someone will adopt “pewter” as a color).

Ahh, yes…the Arched Eyebrow Effect (see Seahawks, Cardinals, et al) has transformed the Michigan State logo from meek and passive into a symbol of intimidation and terror.

And I am scared.

*sigh*

Ryan B.|
January 22, 2010 at 10:08 am |

A little birdie who’s been right about things before tells me (1) the Sabres will ditch the slug and go with their retro logo full-time next season, (2) the Maple Leafs will add hemline piping to their jerseys next season, and (3) the Predators will promote their alt design to primary status, and will have a new road jersey to match.

In order, hooray, meh, and hooray. I’m not a big follower of hockey, but my first pro hockey game ever was in Buffalo in 1987, and I’ve always been in love with the Sabres’ original design.

Also, just stumbled across the Preds’ alt design a couple of weeks ago, and pleased to hear it looks like it will be the standard look next season.

Stuby|
January 22, 2010 at 10:09 am |

[quote comment=”373583″]Poor Rhyner. His untimely passing has hit us all pretty hard here in Dallas.[/quote]
When did that happen?

Jet|
January 22, 2010 at 10:10 am |

[quote comment=”373585″]Polo Grounds cut-out may have been the box where newspaper photographers would stand? Back in the day, there were no telephoto lenses, so the photographers would be right on the field to take close-up shots at plays at the plate, batters, etc.[/quote]
Look at the pic again. He’s referring to a cut-out on the playing field itself, not a box in foul territory where the photographer would set up. I know what you’re referring to; I’ve seen pics of photographers set up very close to the batters box and third base line, but this cut-out area is actually on the field in front of where the third-sacker stands…

-Jet

War Damn Eagle|
January 22, 2010 at 10:15 am |

[quote comment=”373603″][quote comment=”373590″][quote comment=”373589″]In regard to the Nashville Preds probably making their alt their primary, how many times, in any other sport, has a team’s brand new alternate become the new standard for their team the following year? The lone coming to mind could be the Oilers, who made last year’s retro look the primary, but the Preds are going to be doing a full fledged face life.

I don’t have any others coming to mind, so I wonder if any one else knows teams that had an alternate that quickly just set a team’s uniforms.[/quote]

Before the Capitals switched to the red/white/blue look a couple years ago, they were wearing that royal/black/gold combo. Their dark uni was royal. But they introduced a black alternate, and it soon became their primary dark uni. Does that count?

“Prior to the start of the 1995–96 season, in an attempt to modernize the look and merchandise sales, the team abandoned its original logo and color scheme in favor of a blue, black and bronze palette with an American bald eagle with five stars as its logo. The alternate logo depicted the Capitol with crossed hockey sticks behind. The new logos were viewed as being unpopular with fans. Prior to the 2000-01 season, the team retired its blue road jersey in favor of the alternate black Capitol uniform, but still kept the white eagle jersey for home games.”

I remember fans hating the downward-flying eagle as emblematic (get it?) of the caps recent playoff failures. The whole uniform change was nothing but purely merchandise moving at it’s worst. Two years later, the Bullets, also owned by Pollin at the time, would adopt the same color scheme (get it?) for the newly named Wizards. BTW, the shiny color was not gold (which might not have been too bad) but copper. (shit, next thing you know, someone will adopt “pewter” as a color).[/quote]

[quote comment=”373602″]I followed the instructions on that knot-tying video and my laces still lay like the granny knot and not across like the reef knot.[/quote]

don’t feel bad, you’re not alone… lol

Ranagan|
January 22, 2010 at 10:16 am |

Nike did this to Syracuse a few years back – the overall “rebranding” thing. They even had the gall to change the name of our just-won-the-National-Championship basketball team from the Syracuse Orangemen to the Syracuse Orange.

If it is true about the nike/Michigan uniforms, Nike probably can’t reproduce the “striped” part of the helmet easily or cheaply on uniforms and are trying for a simpler design. I’ll bet theres an underlying reason.

steve|
January 22, 2010 at 10:22 am |

[quote comment=”373609″][quote comment=”373602″]I followed the instructions on that knot-tying video and my laces still lay like the granny knot and not across like the reef knot.[/quote]

don’t feel bad, you’re not alone… lol[/quote]

I used to tie granny knots then read the shoelace site. I switched to the reef knot by doing the cross part of the knot the way I normally would. Then undo it, and cross the opposite way. Then finish with the bows the way I normally would. After a few days of crossing, uncrossing then going the opposite I was used to doing the reff knot correctly.

What a ridiculous lawsuit. Can’t we all just get along?[/quote]
Of course, since Ohio State is The Ohio State University because it lost a case over the use of Ohio with Ohio University, they probably aren’t going to press the matter.

USC isn’t making South Carolina change its name or nickname, just its logo. It can’t use the interlocking ‘SC’ anymore. I guess they’ll just have to come up with some kind of side-by-side, or vertical, or diagonal ‘SC’ to use from now on in Columbia.

JimV19|
January 22, 2010 at 10:31 am |

Won’t be online much today, so real quick:

– I think Sparty’s redesign means Phil will have to shop around for a new favorite uni. If the rest of the redesign is like this logo, why did they bother?

– Was that shoe-tying video the result of a two-year collaboration between Runner’s World and Nike? Got news for y’all, both methods are wrong. After the starter knot, I make the two rabbit ears knot. They almost never come untied, and unless I’m punting (even then I can just tuck them in my shoe) I don’t care how the laces fall.

– Southern Cal, I’m liking you less and less each day. Lighten up. Oh well, at least you didn’t pick on a little MAC school the way Ohio State did with Ohio.

Hope all of you in Minnesota are having a blast, and hope all of you at home or work are having a great Friday. See you tomorrow.

War Damn Eagle|
January 22, 2010 at 10:33 am |

The Gamecocks do have a diagonal “USC” logo, which isn’t really used that often.

No greater place and no greater way to step into 1953. Just when Uni Watch couldn’t get any better, you play the Nye’s card. Well done.

War Damn Eagle|
January 22, 2010 at 10:36 am |

Auburn University took similar legal action when American University attmempted to redesign their logo in a manner that looked too much like Auburn’s. American tried to interlock their AU with one letter on top of the other. Auburn said no. Auburn won. American now has a different interlocking AU.

How did the St Paul Winter Carnival people know Paul was coming to Minnesota? Evidence here.

josh's twin|
January 22, 2010 at 10:42 am |

[quote comment=”373607″][quote comment=”373585″]Polo Grounds cut-out may have been the box where newspaper photographers would stand? Back in the day, there were no telephoto lenses, so the photographers would be right on the field to take close-up shots at plays at the plate, batters, etc.[/quote]
Look at the pic again. He’s referring to a cut-out on the playing field itself, not a box in foul territory where the photographer would set up. I know what you’re referring to; I’ve seen pics of photographers set up very close to the batters box and third base line, but this cut-out area is actually on the field in front of where the third-sacker stands…

-Jet[/quote]

The oddest thing of all about this photo is there appear to be three people standing in front of the outfield fence, in fair territory. What’s with that?!

JimWa|
January 22, 2010 at 10:53 am |

I wonder how Wrigley Field grass would grow in St. Louis weather? According to the middle of this page, I may soon find out!

I sort of like the Preds’ third sweater, but what’s with the checkerboard stripes at the hem? Are they so dense that they think this will attract NASCAR fans?

I know most people hated them, but for me their mustard thirds were pretty sweet.

But the RBK rebrand was an aesthetic EPIC FAIL.

Squiddie|
January 22, 2010 at 11:00 am |

More proof that St. Paul knew there was a Uni Watch gathering: The St. Paul Saints have become The Paul.

According to The Paul, the font used is Ballpark Wiener

jdreyfuss|
January 22, 2010 at 11:03 am |

[quote comment=”373610″]Nike did this to Syracuse a few years back – the overall “rebranding” thing. They even had the gall to change the name of our just-won-the-National-Championship basketball team from the Syracuse Orangemen to the Syracuse Orange.

What’re you gonna do South Carolina? You can’t cabbage off “USC” anymore … and you surely aren’t going to tackle “Carolina.”

Gulp, you may actually have to create your OWN identity?! lol, isn’t that what “Cocks” is for?

jdreyfuss|
January 22, 2010 at 11:05 am |

[quote comment=”373616″]- Southern Cal, I’m liking you less and less each day. Lighten up. Oh well, at least you didn’t pick on a little MAC school the way Ohio State did with Ohio.[/quote]
Um, OU sued Ohio State and won, not the other way around. Also it happened, like 125 years ago.

JoeS|
January 22, 2010 at 11:06 am |

[quote comment=”373626″]More proof that St. Paul knew there was a Uni Watch gathering: The St. Paul Saints have become The Paul.

According to The Paul, the font used is Ballpark Wiener[/quote]
Ha, I posted about this yesterday, but didn’t make the “Paul” connection. Well done, sir.

[quote comment=”373577″]I have heard that the R and S were capatalized on the Rangers original jerseys because they were Robert Short’s initials on more than one occasion. So I believe it is true.[/quote]

Today is an important day in Uni history. On this day in 1929, the New York Yankees announced that their players would be wearing numbers on their uniforms to correspond to their position in the batting order. This, according to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

My Sister is a Graphic Designer who works for a company that does NHL licensed products, and she’s said for awhile that the Buffaslug was going the way of the Dodo… Hopefully the new jerseys won’t have those stupid reflective side slashes, that she doesn’t know, but the ‘Slug is dead

concealed78|
January 22, 2010 at 11:34 am |

I don’t like the Spartans redesign solely because it’s “bigger and more badass”. It even looks angry, and that makes me angry!

What a ridiculous lawsuit. Can’t we all just get along?[/quote]
Of course, since Ohio State is The Ohio State University because it lost a case over the use of Ohio with Ohio University, they probably aren’t going to press the matter.

USC isn’t making South Carolina change its name or nickname, just its logo. It can’t use the interlocking ‘SC’ anymore. I guess they’ll just have to come up with some kind of side-by-side, or vertical, or diagonal ‘SC’ to use from now on in Columbia.[/quote]
South Carolina can indeed continue to use their interlocking ‘SC’ logo. They can continue to sell merchandise with the logo. The only thing the Gamecocks can’t do is trademark it.

concealed78|
January 22, 2010 at 11:56 am |

From what I’ve read on Texas Rangers boards, the original uniform with the larger R S initials thing seems to be true.

Wade Harder|
January 22, 2010 at 11:58 am |

[quote comment=”373605″]A little birdie who’s been right about things before tells me (1) the Sabres will ditch the slug and go with their retro logo full-time next season, (2) the Maple Leafs will add hemline piping to their jerseys next season, and (3) the Predators will promote their alt design to primary status, and will have a new road jersey to match.

In order, hooray, meh, and hooray. I’m not a big follower of hockey, but my first pro hockey game ever was in Buffalo in 1987, and I’ve always been in love with the Sabres’ original design.

Also, just stumbled across the Preds’ alt design a couple of weeks ago, and pleased to hear it looks like it will be the standard look next season.[/quote]

I’m glad the Preds are getting rid of the Bettman stripes, but does this mean they are ditching their Navy/Silver/Gold color scheme for a Navy/Black color scheme? I don’t like that at all. I’d love to see their a version of their alt in their current color scheme.

[quote comment=”373580″]In between the 1st and 2nd period of last nights Penguins vs. Capitals game, Bob Errey wore a Pittsburgh Spirit indoor soccer jersey to describe footwork[/quote]
wow….note to self, dvr the game whenever I attend…seem to always miss cool stuff

Wade Harder|
January 22, 2010 at 12:04 pm |

[quote comment=”373625″]I sort of like the Preds’ third sweater, but what’s with the checkerboard stripes at the hem? Are they so dense that they think this will attract NASCAR fans?

I know most people hated them, but for me their mustard thirds were pretty sweet.

But the RBK rebrand was an aesthetic EPIC FAIL.[/quote]

The checkerboards are a nod to UT’s endzone design.

Mark K|
January 22, 2010 at 12:13 pm |

[quote comment=”373637″]My Sister is a Graphic Designer who works for a company that does NHL licensed products, and she’s said for awhile that the Buffaslug was going the way of the Dodo… Hopefully the new jerseys won’t have those stupid reflective side slashes, that she doesn’t know, but the ‘Slug is dead[/quote]

I’m sure it’ll still have that extra “updated” crap all over the place- including having the original logo with the extra silver outline that does nothing other than make it look blurry.

But we’ll take what we can get.

They will have to come up with new white jerseys- I’d actually like if they kept the B-sword secondary logo somehow.

matt in cleveland|
January 22, 2010 at 12:19 pm |

buffaslug ..lol.. yah that should have never had happened.
with the spartan fiasco going on interesting to see how detailed the spartan used to be back in the day also forgot they did the blank side helmelt http://www.helmethut... i worry for sparty and hope they are not touching the mascot. remember roboduck!!!!!

bourbon soaked idiot|
January 22, 2010 at 12:32 pm |

[quote comment=”373618″]Nye’s Nye’s Nye’s!!!!!!!!!!

No greater place and no greater way to step into 1953. Just when Uni Watch couldn’t get any better, you play the Nye’s card. Well done.[/quote]

Why would you want to step into 1953?

MorningJoe|
January 22, 2010 at 12:44 pm |

Not for anything, but Sabres Not Slugs posted the news about the Sabres uniforms months ago.

[quote comment=”373589″]In regard to the Nashville Preds probably making their alt their primary, how many times, in any other sport, has a team’s brand new alternate become the new standard for their team the following year? The lone coming to mind could be the Oilers, who made last year’s retro look the primary, but the Preds are going to be doing a full fledged face life.

I don’t have any others coming to mind, so I wonder if any one else knows teams that had an alternate that quickly just set a team’s uniforms.[/quote]

The Penguins have done it twice. The black alternate with the grey & gold chest stripes introducted in 1995 became the road uniform in 1997. Then the return of the skating penguin (in Vegas gold) in 2000 led to the current jerseys that started in 1992.

I hear Appalachian State is considering action against Arizona State.[/quote]

The school in Tempe could switch to ASUX.
(says the UofA alumnus…)

Alec|
January 22, 2010 at 1:03 pm |

[quote comment=”373649″]
The school in Tempe could switch to ASUX.
(says the UofA alumnus…)[/quote]

So how’s the dual coordinator search going at the University of North Nogales?

jdreyfuss|
January 22, 2010 at 1:06 pm |

[quote comment=”373636″]Today is an important day in Uni history. On this day in 1929, the New York Yankees announced that their players would be wearing numbers on their uniforms to correspond to their position in the batting order. This, according to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

So what is South Carolina supposed to do? Go with “USC” instead of “SC”? Last time I checked, there was no state of Southern California. There is a state called South Carolina. And Southern Cal is a private school, not a state school. South Carolina couldn’t call itself something else if it wanted to.

Next up: A fight between UNC (Northern Colorado) and UNC (North Carolina)?[/quote]

according to the United States Postal Service, the official designation for the state of South Carolina is SC.

also, the University of South Carolina was founded in 1801, Southern California: 1880. vy virtue of senority South Carolina should get the nod.

and what’s with Southern Cal using “SC”? don’t they always refer to themselves as USC?

JimV19|
January 22, 2010 at 1:37 pm |

[quote comment=”373630″][quote comment=”373616″]- Southern Cal, I’m liking you less and less each day. Lighten up. Oh well, at least you didn’t pick on a little MAC school the way Ohio State did with Ohio.[/quote]
Um, OU sued Ohio State and won, not the other way around. Also it happened, like 125 years ago.[/quote]

My bad. I thought for sure there was some squabble over the names when they played a couple of years ago. Just did a quick search and didn’t find anything. There had to have been something else, though, because I remember reading about it. Larry B?

Stoney|
January 22, 2010 at 1:41 pm |

I can’t go to Minneapolis without stopping in to Nye’s for a good cocktail. On the other side fo the bar, you can hear Ruth Adam’s Polka Band play throughout the night. It’s an awesome place to hang out. Glad you got to enjoy it Paul!

[quote comment=”373650″][quote comment=”373649″]
The school in Tempe could switch to ASUX.
(says the UofA alumnus…)[/quote]

So how’s the dual coordinator search going at the University of North Nogales?[/quote]

Probably not well. Very few people can handle the smell.

kj|
January 22, 2010 at 1:49 pm |

[quote comment=”373652″]Paul, how’s all that Viking purple working out for you this weekend?[/quote]
I’m an NFL neutral, really, but tonight’s gathering would be a great excuse to have Vikings gear, just to watch Paul twitch with (irrational) hatred. I suspect we’ll get to see that tonight anyway.

Speaking of tonight’s gathering, are there any pre-gathering plans? A shame that Surly Brewing is having a big thing at the Northdeast Grumpy’s instead of the downtown location. From Surly’s twitter feed (@surlybrewing) yesterday: “Furious Friday Firkin at Grumpy’s NE tomorrow! 4:00 tapping and their will be wings”

(I just now noticed the misplaced “their” in that tweet. Gross.)

JimV19|
January 22, 2010 at 1:54 pm |

Paul has another reason to not like Prince. First there was “Purple Rain,” now there’s “Purple and Gold.”http://www.myfoxtwin...

Greg Anderson|
January 22, 2010 at 2:10 pm |

As far as USC versus SC goes. Obviously Southern Cal should be referred to as SC and South Carolina as USC. I am yet to see Southern Cal have a U on their logos. As a graduate of South Caroline, thank goodness we lost this one. I have always prefered the block C logo with the gamecock to the new “baseball logo”. Thanks for the link to the story. Following this in the South Carolina newspapers was very confusing.

Pedro|
January 22, 2010 at 2:11 pm |

[quote comment=”373627″][quote comment=”373610″]Nike did this to Syracuse a few years back – the overall “rebranding” thing. They even had the gall to change the name of our just-won-the-National-Championship basketball team from the Syracuse Orangemen to the Syracuse Orange.

I didn’t realize how angry I still am about this! Thanks, Paul![/quote]
whether or not it’s true, they tried to justify the name change by saying orangemen was sexist.[/quote]

Even that “sexist” excuse doesn’t make much sense because the Women’s teams always called themselves the “Orangewomen” right? And I always heard it was changed because initially it was a reference to Native Americans, ie Saltine Warriors. Was that the underlying reason?

BTW, I also just got a MagicPhone and though I haven’t completely figured it out yet, I love it!!

So what is South Carolina supposed to do? Go with “USC” instead of “SC”? Last time I checked, there was no state of Southern California. There is a state called South Carolina. And Southern Cal is a private school, not a state school. South Carolina couldn’t call itself something else if it wanted to.

Next up: A fight between UNC (Northern Colorado) and UNC (North Carolina)?[/quote]

according to the United States Postal Service, the official designation for the state of South Carolina is SC.

also, the University of South Carolina was founded in 1801, Southern California: 1880. vy virtue of senority South Carolina should get the nod.

and what’s with Southern Cal using “SC”? don’t they always refer to themselves as USC?[/quote]
You should really read the article – not to worry.

South Carolina may continue to call itself “SC” (their website is sc.edu). They just can’t trademark their interlocking “SC” logo, because Southern California already owns the trademark for a legally-similar logo. That’s the only thing which has changed as a result of this ruling.

So what is South Carolina supposed to do? Go with “USC” instead of “SC”? Last time I checked, there was no state of Southern California. There is a state called South Carolina. And Southern Cal is a private school, not a state school. South Carolina couldn’t call itself something else if it wanted to.

Next up: A fight between UNC (Northern Colorado) and UNC (North Carolina)?[/quote]

according to the United States Postal Service, the official designation for the state of South Carolina is SC.

also, the University of South Carolina was founded in 1801, Southern California: 1880. vy virtue of senority South Carolina should get the nod.

and what’s with Southern Cal using “SC”? don’t they always refer to themselves as USC?[/quote]

Not always…WE ARE…SC!!

As a ‘SC alumn (FIGHT ON!), I always wondered why the administration even bothered with the whole “South Carolina thing”. It seems petty and stupid. Generally if you say SC, most people thing Southern California (especially in football). Furthermore, when ESPN or CBS shows South Carolina games the onscreen scoreboard tends to show SOCAR or S CAR and not USC. So as much as I hate to admit it, I think USC was just trying flex some muscle.

[quote comment=”373612″][quote comment=”373609″][quote comment=”373602″]I followed the instructions on that knot-tying video and my laces still lay like the granny knot and not across like the reef knot.[/quote]

don’t feel bad, you’re not alone… lol[/quote]

I used to tie granny knots then read the shoelace site. I switched to the reef knot by doing the cross part of the knot the way I normally would. Then undo it, and cross the opposite way. Then finish with the bows the way I normally would. After a few days of crossing, uncrossing then going the opposite I was used to doing the reff knot correctly.[/quote]

I have ALWAYS been a granny knot tier! My father was a granny knot tier; my father’s father was a granny knot tier.

I will ALWAYS be a granny knot tier

…mostly because it took me nearly 20 years to learn how to tie a necktie.

jdreyfuss|
January 22, 2010 at 2:46 pm |

[quote comment=”373660″][quote comment=”373627″][quote comment=”373610″]Nike did this to Syracuse a few years back – the overall “rebranding” thing. They even had the gall to change the name of our just-won-the-National-Championship basketball team from the Syracuse Orangemen to the Syracuse Orange.

I didn’t realize how angry I still am about this! Thanks, Paul![/quote]
whether or not it’s true, they tried to justify the name change by saying orangemen was sexist.[/quote]

Even that “sexist” excuse doesn’t make much sense because the Women’s teams always called themselves the “Orangewomen” right? And I always heard it was changed because initially it was a reference to Native Americans, ie Saltine Warriors. Was that the underlying reason?

BTW, I also just got a MagicPhone and though I haven’t completely figured it out yet, I love it!![/quote]
I’m sure I’m wrong, but I’d always assumed it was a reference to Irish forest elves, like the Cleveland Bowns or the Aurora (OH) High School Greenmen

jdreyfuss|
January 22, 2010 at 2:50 pm |

p.s. I know the Browns thing is apocryphal, but the team tried to play it up when Paul Brown’s tenure was on the rocks with Brownie the Elf.

Jack|
January 22, 2010 at 2:54 pm |

[quote comment=”373587″]Of course, since Ohio State is The Ohio State University because it lost a case over the use of Ohio with Ohio University, they probably aren’t going to press the matter.[/quote]

They did? When was this? That’s pretty hilarious.

max|
January 22, 2010 at 3:00 pm |

I don’t mind the new logo. I like the old one better, but considering the recent sports design that has diarrhea’d all over our games, this logo isn’t too bad. I’m just nervous to see the other elements as I’m almost positive they will be atrocious. I’m not an MSU guy, but I have always liked their look.

On to another topic, when are Nike and other companies going to realize that people don’t want their NASCAR-ized over designed crap anymore? Do they pay attention to throwback sales and the now commonplace throwback games? Give the people what they want, nice classic design. It doesn’t have to be a throwback, it can be new, just simple.

Seems like the Jazz have officially switched to the green throwback. Hate the Jazz (dumbest name for a Utah based team), love the uni. Every time i see highlights they are wearing those unis. Anyone know why the frequency?

Jack|
January 22, 2010 at 3:01 pm |

[quote comment=”373610″]Even that “sexist” excuse doesn’t make much sense because the Women’s teams always called themselves the “Orangewomen” right? And I always heard it was changed because initially it was a reference to Native Americans, ie Saltine Warriors. Was that the underlying reason?[/quote]

[quote comment=”373670″][quote comment=”373610″]Even that “sexist” excuse doesn’t make much sense because the Women’s teams always called themselves the “Orangewomen” right? And I always heard it was changed because initially it was a reference to Native Americans, ie Saltine Warriors. Was that the underlying reason?[/quote]

The Flames adopted their alt (the black flaming horse) as their road uniform. As awful as that alternate was, the bright side was that they got rid of the atrocious striping pattern of the previous uniforms when the adopted the flaming horse.

Rumour is that the Canucks are switching to their alt (rink-stick) next year.

War Damn Eagle|
January 22, 2010 at 3:38 pm |

so who has the better greek-inspired helmet logo? usc (or “sc,” whatev) or michigan state?

[quote comment=”373589″]In regard to the Nashville Preds probably making their alt their primary, how many times, in any other sport, has a team’s brand new alternate become the new standard for their team the following year? The lone coming to mind could be the Oilers, who made last year’s retro look the primary, but the Preds are going to be doing a full fledged face life.

I don’t have any others coming to mind, so I wonder if any one else knows teams that had an alternate that quickly just set a team’s uniforms.[/quote]

Several NHL teams have done it in the last 15 years, the Caps being one, but also:
Dallas (star-pattern jersey that went away with the EDGE, it used to be an alternate)
Ottawa (red jersey with diagonal stripe pattern)
Minnesota Wild (current red jersey)
LA Kings (crown logo was seen only a few times a season, while the primary logo was a crest.)
Philly (from orange to black, and now black to orange)
Atlanta (powder blues were a popular alterante jersey)
Florida (navy blue jersey was an alternate)
Pittsburgh (in the mid-90’s the goofy alternate with the gray/yellow stripe became the primary road jersey)
Pittsburgh (current skating penguin logo)
Calgary (flaming horse, as mentioned above)
Columbus (current Ohio flag logo used to be the alternate logo)
Islanders (going with the retro look full time at home next season)
Oilers (as mentioned for next season)
Sabres (as mentioned for next season)
Canucks (adopted the old blue/green color scheme into the EDGE jersey for 2007 based on the alternate retro jersey. Stick-in-rink logo for 2010 brings it full circle)

If you’re doing a Spartan logo, why not use one used by the actual Spartans? The actual Spartans had a lambda (for Λακεδαίμων, ie Lakedaimon) as their logo, which would be quite cool to have as part of a logo.

[quote comment=”373671″][quote comment=”373670″][quote comment=”373610″]Even that “sexist” excuse doesn’t make much sense because the Women’s teams always called themselves the “Orangewomen” right? And I always heard it was changed because initially it was a reference to Native Americans, ie Saltine Warriors. Was that the underlying reason?[/quote]

I may be the only person posting about it but I don’t tie my shoelaces in either of the ways in that video. Perhaps I’ll make my own video, my shoes NEVER come untied either. No loops in my way either…

Beau|
January 22, 2010 at 4:35 pm |

Big South Carolina fan here. Just read a report on one of the South Carolina fan sites stating the Gamecock baseball team will continue to use the interlocking “SC” symbol. The ironic thing is if you go back and flip through black & white photographs from the 1910’s of Gamecock football you’ll see those South Carolina teams sporting jerseys with a similar “SC” logo to the one in the middle of this dispute. I remember a few years ago hearing about Southern Cal submitting a request to ESPN and all other sports media outlets that they only be referred to as “USC” and not Southern Cal. For whatever reason Southern Cal has always been extremely sensitive over our shared initials. They appear to have the edge legally, which is hard to swallow for a University that’s been known as “USC”/”SC” long before California was even a state.

JoeS|
January 22, 2010 at 4:49 pm |

[quote comment=”373679″]I may be the only person posting about it but I don’t tie my shoelaces in either of the ways in that video. Perhaps I’ll make my own video, my shoes NEVER come untied either. No loops in my way either…[/quote]http://bit.ly/FTNqP ?
or perhapshttp://i240.photobuc...

Tim|
January 22, 2010 at 4:51 pm |

i was always a little bit fond of the pens jersey with the yellow to gray stripe…

What a ridiculous lawsuit. Can’t we all just get along?[/quote]
Of course, since Ohio State is The Ohio State University because it lost a case over the use of Ohio with Ohio University, they probably aren’t going to press the matter.[/quote]

Fianlly got a chance to get back online and see that you posted this right before I accused Ohio State of picking on Ohio. They must have written about this case in our paper when the Bobcats played the Buckeyes. I remember glancing at an article, but not paying attention as I don’t follow either team. Thanks, and sorry I pointed the finger at the wrong school.

LarryB|
January 22, 2010 at 5:32 pm |

[quote comment=”373623″]Anyone notice that the new Spartan helmet seen here

Michigan State does in my opinion. USC’s seems more Roman. I love the Roman army and the history of the Roman empire.

I know during USC games some fans wear Roman helmets.

LarryB|
January 22, 2010 at 5:41 pm |

So it is up in the air if they do change the logo for sure for Sparty.

LarryB|
January 22, 2010 at 5:49 pm |

[quote comment=”373654″][quote comment=”373630″][quote comment=”373616″]- Southern Cal, I’m liking you less and less each day. Lighten up. Oh well, at least you didn’t pick on a little MAC school the way Ohio State did with Ohio.[/quote]
Um, OU sued Ohio State and won, not the other way around. Also it happened, like 125 years ago.[/quote]

My bad. I thought for sure there was some squabble over the names when they played a couple of years ago. Just did a quick search and didn’t find anything. There had to have been something else, though, because I remember reading about it. Larry B?[/quote]

There wre suits and things like that about the Ohio usage. Ohio U from what I recall wanted to do something about Ohio State using Ohio and they did lose. I forget the particulars about it so not a lot of help here. But you are right.

Michigan State does in my opinion. USC’s seems more Roman. I love the Roman army and the history of the Roman empire.

I know during USC games some fans wear Roman helmets.[/quote]

Roman… or perhaps Trojan.

Jeff P|
January 22, 2010 at 6:18 pm |

[quote comment=”373682″]i was always a little bit fond of the pens jersey with the yellow to gray stripe…

http://www.flickr.co...
You’re not the only one. I love that jersey and logo. Whine about the “pigeon” all you want, it’s closer to anatomically correct for a penguin then the current logo. Much closer.

As for the ‘gradients are always ebil, omg!’ crowd, no graphic element is inherently bad. To proclaim so shows limited vision. Some elements are much harder to get right then others, but they can be done right.

As for shoelaces, I don’t usually care enough to bother doing it right. But were so many people really aware of right over left, left over right? As an Eagle scout, the fact that people don’t understand how to make proper square knot (that’s what it is, a square knot with loops) really bothers me. Next you’ll tell me that many Americans barely even know one way to tie a tie and keep them tied in between wearings.

mmwatkin|
January 22, 2010 at 6:26 pm |

A little late the party, but this MSU grad has to put his two cents in.

Its funny that Runners World had a video of the reef knot when most runners I know (myself included) don’t just use a reef knot, they use one of the lock methods shown below, and then double knot so the knot doesn’t come undone.

My wife and I are flying up to Minneapolis in June to check out Target Field and have been looking for things to see and do while we’re there.

Have fun.

I’m taking notes.

spartan fan|
January 22, 2010 at 7:24 pm |

this is very appropriate for a country who knows very little about history.
is this how the native americans felt when they were forced from their land and into the casino business?

Momofuku|
January 22, 2010 at 7:44 pm |

[quote comment=”373636″]Today is an important day in Uni history. On this day in 1929, the New York Yankees announced that their players would be wearing numbers on their uniforms to correspond to their position in the batting order. This, according to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

[quote comment=”373642″][quote comment=”373580″]In between the 1st and 2nd period of last nights Penguins vs. Capitals game, Bob Errey wore a Pittsburgh Spirit indoor soccer jersey to describe footwork[/quote]
wow….note to self, dvr the game whenever I attend…seem to always miss cool stuff[/quote]
And I had the game on, too. I would have NOT wanted to miss that!

Brick|
January 22, 2010 at 8:43 pm |

The story that the capitalized “R” and “S” on the first Texas Rangers has been around since the beginning. It was in Shelby Whitfield’s 1973 book “Kiss It Goodbye” which was mostly about the 1969-1971 Senators.

Michigan State does in my opinion. USC’s seems more Roman. I love the Roman army and the history of the Roman empire.

I know during USC games some fans wear Roman helmets.[/quote]

Roman… or perhaps Trojan.[/quote]

Logo: I’m with Paul, Iike the current one better than the proposed one, but it’s nothing to write home about. Put the “S” on the Michigan State helmet and call it good.

Still, I take Sparty over the SC version of its Trojan. (Forget Greeks and Romans here, though we are talking two different eras, but aesthetically.)

But, in a rock, paper, sissors contest, the SC Marching Band (particularly when it performed with Fleetwood Mac) rocks, and who can choose anything over those SC cheerleaders?

Aesthetically.

Hibbsy|
January 22, 2010 at 9:56 pm |

It’s kind of wierd with no tan boxes.

C. Fox|
January 22, 2010 at 10:28 pm |

Even Sparty doesn’t like the new logo. I was at tonight’s MSU vs. OSU hockey game, and a student had a sign with a picture of the new logo crossed out. Sparty grabbed the sign and started running around with it. There was also a “Keep our logo!” chant going on.

Sorry to disappoint JoeS but no Crocs in January in Ohio or at all for that matter. I did have a pair of of velcro shoes I bought at WalMart for $5 simply for mudding in the river while fishing though.

My mom saw this way to tie shoes on some talk show when I was a kid (c. 1990). She always called it the Russian way…i dunno what it really is, I just know I’ve never had issues…

Sean Payton was wearing a Saints sweatshirt wit the old NFL logo on it today. Interesting.

jdreyfuss|
January 23, 2010 at 9:14 pm |

[quote comment=”373696″]this is very appropriate for a country who knows very little about history.
is this how the native americans felt when they were forced from their land and into the casino business?[/quote]
context?

teenchy|
January 23, 2010 at 9:22 pm |

I have no dog in the Southern Cal/South Carolina fight, but it’s worth noting that the interlocking “SC” that South Carolina uses on its baseball caps is derived from a similar insignia used on liquor bottles issued by the state’s dispensary from the 1890s until just before WWI. Those bottles either featured an interlocking “SC” or “SCD.”

Interesting scenario I came across.
Tried the “new” technique for tieing my shoe laces behind the loop rather than forward. I found out that everytime I didnt that I was gettin the laces to point down, but when I did it normally they layed flat across the top of my shoe. Turns out that if your a lefty like me! cough..cough :) and loop around your left thumb and index finger you do it the right way everytime!

My guess is that the guys against the fence are NYPD cops to keep the riffraff from getting too out of line. As for the “notch”, I’ve gotten nothing…must have been an ‘experiment’ of sorts by the Giants ground crew…can’t find any sign of it in any other photos of the Polo Grounds.